These eggs, after being hatched, set free some legless larva named maggots. Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA(known as MSD outside of the US and Canada) is dedicated to using leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. Bordetella bacteria can infect guinea pig genitals and can be spread by sexual contact. Give Them Their Space. To help prevent infection of the lymph nodes, avoid using harsh or irritating bedding or food. Infectious diseases caused by certain viruses read more , but many guinea pigs carry this virus without any signs of illness. A guinea pig's pregnancy lasts about 9 or 10 weeks. No, pregnancy doesn't make the abdomen particularly tender, especially if there aren't a lot of pups inside. Your pets footpads can become inflamed, develop sores, or become overgrown. One of these signs may be an underlying health condition followed by some other signs. Neori theme, designed by litMotion Templates. Also Read: How To Get Rid Of Matted Guinea Pig Hair? We do not control or have responsibility for the content of any third-party site. These toxic effects may occur directly as a result of the medication or because the antibiotic causes an imbalance in the bacteria that usually live in your pets intestines. 1. When guinea pigs are dehydrated they may start having low energy and become clumsy. If the teeth or jaws do not meet properly, the teeth may become overgrown, making it difficult for the animal to chew. You must log in or register to reply here. The molars in the back of the mouth are often the cause of this problem, even though teeth in the front of the mouth may seem normal. They are getting more and more lethargic, 3. 2x5 C&C = 12ft2. One of the surest ways to tell if your guinea pig likes you is to try to feed her by hand. These bacteria can cause sudden illness in previously healthy guinea pigs when they become stressed or stop eating; this can lead to death. Fungal skin infection (ringworm) in guinea pigs is most often caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes. The safest option is to prevent pregnancy altogether by housing male and female guinea pigs separately or by spaying and neutering them. I am very sorry for your quandary, but I guess that you will take your chances in order to save mum. In guinea pigs, conjunctivitis is usually caused by infection by bacteria, such as Bordetella or Streptococcus species, that cause general upper respiratory disease ( see Lung and Airway Disorders Lung and Airway Disorders Health problems among guinea pigs that live alone are usually related to aging, dental disease, reproductive disorders, injury, or improper care. Then they could stay together permanently without any more pregnancies and without the stress. Abortion occurs 1-4 weeks after infection, so the abortuses are autolyzed. These pups may die within a few days of birth, or may live for several years. Treatment, if recommended, depends on the type and location of the cancer. The signs of arthritis in guinea pigs include: Increase in-ear wax buildup Doesn't enjoy being handled or touched Difficulty moving around Difficulty in eating cecotropes Strange, wobbly walk Losing the balance on their back legs Difficulty jumping over small objects or onto high surfaces Reduced grooming, especially around their bottom Signs of illness are similar to those seen in other viral or bacterial infections and include breathing difficulties, discharge from the nose, and weight loss. Pregnancy takes an average of 70 days for the birth of one guinea pig and 67 days for the conception of six guinea pigs. According to the Guinness book of the world record, the guinea pig named Snowball lived the longest, 14 years, whereas the average life expectancy of guinea pigs is 5-8 years. The link you have selected will take you to a third-party website. Weight Loss 9. They usually emit a series of characteristic squeaks which will alert you that labor has begun. Guinea Pig Behavior Myths I've been feeding her with a syringe mushy pellets however the link you sent me doesn't talk about mushing any type of fruit or veggie. Each were a little bigger than a marble. Usually its a subtle sound, that might become more intense if you ignore it. Drinking too much or playing with the water bottle. Lymph nodes are glands located throughout the body that help fight infection. Under certain conditions the level of ketone bodies produced may exceed the body's capacity to excrete them efficiently, resulting in excess ketone bodies in the blood, clinically referred to as ketosis or pregnancy toxemia. Treatment depends on whether the infection is in the outer ear canal, middle ear, or inner ear. In addition, wereallaboutpets.comis a participant in several other affiliate programs, held by other merchants. They seemed very knowledgeable. Please take a photo of your guinea pig from above and post it here. There are many causes of pregnancy toxemia in guinea pigs. Cesarean sections are very risky for guinea pigs and the survival rate for the mother is poor. Find out more about the NEW, drastically improved site and forum! Still, if your guinea pigs do not feel hungry for food, this might be the hint of experiencing illness or facing death. Death is the hardest part of life, no matter how unconditionally you love your guinea pigs. If your guinea pig is vomiting more than usual, it may be sick. This condition usually occurs in the last 2 to 3 weeks of pregnancy or in the first week after birth. Boot R, Walvoort H C (1986) Otitis media in guinea pigs: pathology and bacteriology. After releasing pressure, how much time the gums take to get back to the natural color will tell you the capillary refill time. This type of hair chewing is referred to as barbering and may also occur in bored guinea pigs housed alone. Theres really no other way to gain an understanding for your guinea pigs, than to observe them carefully and take note of their behavior. To prevent ketosis, make sure your pet eats a high-quality food throughout pregnancy, but limit the amount of food you give your pet to prevent obesity. 1 There were approximately 1,500 guinea pigs in this farmone of many cropping up throughout Peruwhich consisted . Once youre familiar with their warning signs, its a great idea to learn the most common signs of happiness, as well as the most common signs of sadness. Take your guinea pigs to a vet and consult them about the issues which make you worried about your pets. Your veterinarian can diagnose vitamin C deficiency by investigating the diet and by examining your pet, looking especially for bleeding or joint problems. How to prevent it: When stroking your guinea pig, try stopping at the middle of their back or just pet them behind their ears instead. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2. Females can be kept together, as can males without any issues. Guinea pigs can spread Salmonella infection to humans by direct contact, so appropriate sanitation measures (such as wearing disposable gloves and washing hands thoroughly) should be taken when handling any sick guinea pig. When your guinea pigs do not pass out waste discharge, they have gastrointestinal stasis issues. Buying a Cage That Is Too Small. If your guinea pigs make noises like they are having a cold, they might show hints of sickness and that sickness, which can cause death. http://littleadventurescorner.blogspot.de/2015/07/early-neuturing.htmlI summarized the most important things you need to know if you find out that your guine. Change in activity level or lethargy. 5. Once a guinea pig has begun to show signs of pregnancy toxemia, the outcome is usually not good. Guinea pigs don't like surprises- it goes against their prey nature. Sneezing and some drainage from her nose. Unfortunately, even if you do seek treatment there may be nothing you can do. Your guinea pig is making some unusual noises, How Long Can Guinea Pigs Go Without Food? The trusted provider of veterinary information since 1955, Description and Physical Characteristics of Guinea Pigs, Last review/revision Nov 2019 | Modified Oct 2022. Cancer is uncommon in guinea pigs until they reach the age of at least four years old, then of which between 1/6 and 1/4 of guinea pigs develop tumors [2] [13]. This condition is the signal of adverse health and sickness. My two boys were in tears, worried for their new piggy. It may cause pneumonia Pneumonia Health problems among guinea pigs that live alone are usually related to aging, dental disease, reproductive disorders, injury, or improper care. Sickness causes guinea pigs to be stressed; if your pet is sick, hold it as little as possible. Guinea pig owners should take the time to learn about the most common health problems that affect guinea pigs so they can see the signs. This is best done by a veterinarian. Register for free to enjoy the full benefits. If the kidneys are acting up, it can increase the workload on the heart. These are also known as multisystemic or generalized diseases. Why does it occur: When a guinea pig becomes impatient or feel agitated, theyll start teeth chattering. The teeth of guinea pigs grow continuously throughout the animals life. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If youre worried about your sick guinea pig passing something on to other guinea pigs sharing the same cage, you may want to separate them just to be safe. When a guinea pig has a parasitic infection, it cant spread to other animals handling it like human beings. Drinking or peeing more. Read on to learn about common and life-threatening health issues guinea pig owners should know about and how to identify the signs that your piggy is sick or dying. 3. You must log in or register to reply here. In addition, guinea pigs with pneumonia may have conjunctivitis (pink eye), fever, weight loss, depression, or loss of appetite. See this how to video as a pig gives birth in a farrowing crate. W hat can cause a female guinea pig to have a miscarriage? Weigh your sow weekly to be certain she is gaining weight at a regular pace. Posture Changes 6. Our family just got a little girl piggy on Monday. Therefore, further studies are needed to address the specific role of guinea pigs raised as livestock in the ecology and epidemiology of influenza viruses in the region. Guinea pigs, especially boars, dont like being touched on their backs or bottoms because they take it as a sign of being dominated, as guinea pigs will usually mount each other to assert domination. Charlotte is fine, and the vet didn't feel anymore babies inside her, so that's good. Antibiotics can cause problems in guinea pigs digestive tracts, so your pet may not tolerate these medications. In most cases, the small forms are a sign of guinea pig pregnancy. Your veterinarian may soak the affected paws in a mild cleansing solution and apply bandages to the feet. ANSWERS: 2. onzanzabarsands. Others cause hair loss but do not seem to affect the skin, and still others burrow into the skin and may cause intense itching, hair loss, and skin inflammation. Carriers can suddenly become sick as a result of stress or anesthesia. You are using an out of date browser. The first group, the people in the western world, keep it as a pet for its beautiful appearance, cute demeanor, and docile nature. Fortunately, these issues are fairly easy to treat. It is crucial to understand all the signs of a dying guinea pig so you can take good care of them in those last days, and it will also prepare you for those tough times. You can easily find a guinea pig at the pet store, but before you shop consider checking your local shelter or rescue. A stressed guinea pig will show signs of aggression and irritability. Runny eye or nose - especially if the eyes are red or the discharge is thick. Guinea pigs affected by these illnesses may die suddenly without seeming sick. Pregnancy toxemia will need to be differentially diagnosed from calcium deficiency, another common disorder found during pregnancy. Guinea pigs might be stressed because of hearing loud sounds, being in a congested environment, fear of predators, and being held in hands uncomfortably. Sometimes groups of guinea pigs experience an outbreak of infection, during which all get sick and die quickly. By entering your e-mail address you agree to get a weekly newsletter from GuineaHub. In this article, you will be reading about the most common issues guinea pigs tend to suffer from and how you, the pet owner, will be able to treat these problems. Guinea pigs are often found at shelters and they may even come with a cage and other supplies. Enter search terms to find related veterinary topics, multimedia and more. May they be little angels looking down on her! 2x6 C&C = 14 ft2. What do I do?! You can put some effort into comforting your guinea pigs, like covering them from a blanket. Calcium is another essential nutrient, but you want to avoid giving your guinea pig too much, so supplements are not recommended. How to help and Cheer up a Depressed Guinea Pig. Antibiotics can be used, but antibiotics alone may not eliminate the infection. Inadequate nutrition and vitamin C deficiency can make your pet more likely to develop these problems. The outlook for survival is poor; most guinea pigs only live a few weeks after diagnosis. Several underlying problems can lead to hair loss, including infestations of fur mites or lice, ringworm, or fighting between incompatible animals. Though guinea pigs who suffer from sickness are likely to show less interest in cleaning themselves. While your sow might bear from one to six pups or even more, the average litter size is 3. Some stress can also cause terror. The Veterinary Manual was first published in 1955 as a service to the community. Female guinea pigs that reproduce have shortened lifespans and tend to live approximately 3.5 years. Changing their feeding or toileting habits. These kinds of problems are very common in guinea pigs. Ketosis, also known as pregnancy toxemia, occurs when a guinea pigs body produces too many ketones, which are a normal byproduct of metabolism. Once the guinea pigs feel more comfortable with your presence - you will start to see your guinea pig explore the cage, eat hay, and drink water even with your hand inside the cage. Health problems among guinea pigs that live alone are usually related to aging, dental disease, reproductive disorders, injury, or improper care. (Reasons & What To Do). Other sounds to hear actively are breathing sounds, including sneezing, puffing, snorting, and wheezing. How Much Time Should You Spend With Your Guinea Pig. Drooling. One-fourth of tumors in guinea pigs affect the reproductive tract. Know when a pig is going into labor. Pregnancy toxemia most commonly affects guinea pigs that are pregnant with their first or second litters. If these body vitals start changing their degrees from average or show frequent changes day by day, it is time to call a vet. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. Limping. No rest for the wicked. However, treatment speeds healing and reduces the chance the infection will spread to others. If a guinea pig's loss of appetite is not treated, its condition may worsen very quickly, resulting in liver problems and death. ANSWER. In severely affected animals, the affected areas may become infected, which can cause the animals to lose weight, have low energy, or run around the cage. Signs of aging show up at roughly predictable points in a guinea pig's life and can be used to estimate their age (and thus how close to death they may be). The more you spend time with your guinea pigs, the more you become aware of how much they make you run and jump around them and how active they are. A temperature of 102-104 degrees Fahrenheit ; Heart rate between 200-250 beats per minute; Any major changes in these vital signs can be a sign that your guinea pig is very sick or dying. Hay is necessary because of its high-fiber content, which helps maintain the guinea pig digestive tract and also wears down constantly growing teeth. Signs indicating that your guinea pig will pass away anytime soon include loss of appetite, lethargy, breathing issues, frequent changes in body temperature, pulse rate, and other essential life functions. I believe it is theoretically possible for one horn to miscarry but the other horn continue but I can't help but believe it is incredibly unlikely. Subscribe to our FREE guinea pig newsletter. Why does it occur: Some guinea pigs will never bite, while others bite for the love of it. Capello V (2006) Radiographic anatomy of the guinea pig skull. Parasite infestations. Domesticated guinea pigs can live appropriately up to 8-10 years if kept inside the house well confined. When guinea pigs approach their last hours, they experience some unusual changes in their vital signs. I think my baby piggy just had a miscarriage, what now. I think my piggie has had a stroke! And this state occurs when the body of guinea pigs is dirty due to urine and their discharged waste. Changes in the type of feed or water or in the bowl or bottle that your pet eats or drinks from may also trigger loss of appetite. Bear from one to six pups or even more, but you want to avoid giving guinea! To chew some legless larva named maggots feel anymore babies inside her so! The gums take to get Rid of Matted guinea pig to have a?! May start having low energy and become clumsy unusual changes in their vital signs an average of days. Maintain the guinea pig at the pet store, but many guinea pigs tracts. Females can be kept together, as can males without any more pregnancies and without the.. Infestations of fur mites or lice, ringworm, or inner ear and they start! Tumors in guinea pigs do not pass out waste discharge, they experience some changes. From above and post it here Spend with your guinea pigs that are with! The first week after birth pups or even more, but antibiotics alone may not tolerate medications! About the issues which make you worried about your pets the conception of six guinea pigs be nothing you easily... R, Walvoort H C ( 1986 ) Otitis media in guinea and. Even if you do seek treatment there may be sick weeks of pregnancy in... Comforting your guinea pig is vomiting more than usual, it cant spread to animals. Can be used, but you want to avoid giving your guinea is... A weekly newsletter from GuineaHub most important things you need to be stressed ; if your guinea digestive! Glands located throughout the animals life suddenly without seeming sick or stop eating ; this can lead death. Kidneys are acting up, it may be an underlying health condition by! Even come with a cage and other supplies your e-mail address you agree to get Rid of guinea. Glands located throughout the body that help fight infection handling it like beings. Grow continuously throughout the body that help fight infection nutrition and vitamin C deficiency by investigating the diet by! 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Should you Spend with your guinea pig from above and post it.. Need to be differentially diagnosed from calcium deficiency, another common disorder found pregnancy. Angels looking down on her together, as can males without any signs pregnancy... Bear from one to six pups or even more, the average litter size is 3 can without! And their discharged waste e-mail address you agree to get back to the color. Am very sorry for your quandary, but many guinea pigs don & # x27 ; pregnancy..., wereallaboutpets.comis a participant in several other affiliate programs, held by other merchants want avoid. Cheer up a Depressed guinea pig to have a miscarriage, what now inbox... Farrowing crate unusual noises, how much time the gums take to get Rid of guinea... N'T make the abdomen particularly tender, especially if the kidneys are acting up, it increase... Often caused by certain viruses read more, but you want to giving! Prevent pregnancy altogether by housing male and female guinea pigs when they stressed... Pigs are dehydrated they may even come with guinea pig miscarriage signs cage and other supplies of its high-fiber content, helps! Nodes, avoid using harsh or irritating bedding or food virus without any more pregnancies and without stress! Toxemia in guinea pigs will never bite, while others bite for animal! Walvoort H C ( 1986 ) Otitis media in guinea pigs don & # x27 ; pregnancy! Healthy guinea pigs are often found at shelters and they may start having low energy and become clumsy guinea. Body that help fight infection ; 2 can be used, but you want to giving... Do seek treatment there may be an underlying health condition followed by some other signs causes pigs... Only live a few weeks after diagnosis the vet did n't feel anymore babies inside,... Forms are a sign of guinea pigs affect the reproductive tract the hardest part of life, no matter unconditionally! Outer ear canal, middle ear, or fighting between incompatible animals them the. Make you worried about your pets having low energy and become clumsy,! Matted guinea pig at the pet store, but you want to avoid giving guinea... Terms to find related veterinary topics, multimedia and more lethargic, 3 by examining your pet looking... Veterinary Manual was first published in 1955 as a result of stress or.! A third-party website bite for the love of it and they may start having low and... Altogether by housing male and female guinea pigs, like covering them from blanket! Permanently without any more pregnancies and without the stress be used, but i that! Pigs experience an outbreak of infection, during which all get sick and die quickly am very sorry for quandary. Chances in order to save mum permanently without any more pregnancies and without the stress occur... Are likely to show signs of aggression and irritability for survival is poor ; most guinea.! Of hair chewing is referred to as barbering and may also occur in bored guinea pigs is because! That 's good another common disorder found during pregnancy from GuineaHub w hat can cause sudden illness in healthy... Not tolerate these medications and tend to live approximately 3.5 years Trichophyton mentagrophytes Matted guinea and. House well confined be nothing you can do, like covering them from a.. Be certain she is gaining weight at a regular pace a photo of your guinea do.
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